Metrology for Additive Manufacturing

Course Number:
MFG 260
Transcript Title:
Metrology for Additive Manufacturing
Created:
May 06, 2026
Updated:
May 06, 2026
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture / Lab Hours:
66
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0

Course Description

Covers the use of additive technology and material calibration skills to produce, on a consistent basis, a variety of parts accurate to specified measurements and tolerances provided on blueprints. Explores the nuances of additive design principles and how they apply to the measurement of parts made using AM processes. Utilizes procedures and measuring tools specific to additive manufacturing. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Calibrate 3D printer settings establishing model tolerances for AM specific process control.

  2. Use scientific methods to determine when 3D printing materials are in poor condition and need reconditioning.

  3. Read blueprints and interpret tolerances.

  4. Use measuring equipment specific to additive manufacturing.

  5. Use knowledge of material properties to streamline post processing and improve print quality.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Department recommended assessment strategies:

  • Lecture and in-lab coaching and direct instruction.

  • Full class demonstration of skills.

  • Written exams

  • Student proficiency through demonstration of learned strategies and skills in industry standard environments

  • Job readiness based on performance

  • In class lab experiments and testing using the scientific process with written result reporting

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Department required activities: Cooperative learning, lecture-lab based experiential learning, guided learning pathways, peer review, hands-on lab, simulation, simulation scenarios, oral presentations.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Calibrate 3D printer settings, establishing model tolerances for AM specific process control.

  • Calibrate for accuracy SLS, FDM and SLA printer hardware
  • Create calibration procedures for SLS, FDM and SLA printers
  • Troubleshoot consumable problems and solutions for SLS, FDM and SLA printers
  • Troubleshoot hardware problems in SLS, FDM and SLA printers
  • Troubleshoot software problems in SLS, FDM and SLA printers

Outcome #2: Use scientific methods to determine when 3D printing materials are in poor condition and need reconditioning.

  • Follow / create flowcharts for different printing materials
  • Quality control filament, resin and polymer powder (3d printing materials)
  • Repair 3d printing materials
  • Track 3d printing materials inventory
  • Use inventory to track 3d printing materials degradation

Outcome #3: Read blueprints and interpret tolerances.

  • Read GD&T In blueprints
  • Print to tolerance
  • Use geometry to ensure print accuracy
  • Check print accuracy to tolerance
  • Reduce tolerance stacking with geometry
  • Reduce tolerance stacking with process selection
  • Ensure tolerance with post processing considerations

Outcome #4: Use measuring equipment specific to additive manufacturing.

  • Measure critical geometry
  • Precision measuring tools for additive manufacturing
  • Check density per print requirements
  • Check density vs. expected density
  • Surface finish testing
  • Bending Modulus Testing
  • Heat tolerance check
  • Edit parameters (e.g. laser exposure, nozzle temperature, variable layer height) for localized geometry tolerance

Outcome #5: Use knowledge of material properties to streamline post processing and improve print quality.

  • Post process with appropriate processes
  • Post process to with correct materials and equipment for print call outs
  • Edit parameters to ensure efficient post processing
  • Design for manufacture with post processing procedures to print in mind
  • Process for hardness
  • Process for surface finish
  • Process for bending modulus

Suggested Texts and Materials

Use of listed Texts/Materials is not required unless so noted.

Department Notes

Safety glasses are required at all times in the manufacturing lab, and are provided for students. Students may also purchase their own safety glasses from a local supplier. Long pants and closed toed shoes are required in the manufacturing labs at all times. Appropriate clothing must be worn to work in the lab (no synthetic materials, ect.). Safety requirements are covered prior to work in the lab.